Information and communications technologies, which are becoming more widely available in the developing world, can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the productivity of agriculture.

An article in The Guardian explains how mobile phones, video and radio can help to spread the word about climate-smart agricultural techniques such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture.

The uptake of such techniques can face many challenges: most have no single prescription and rely on local adaptation; and farmers need to take a risk in changing current practices. ICT tools “make it easier to share locally relevant information on improved techniques and to provide time-specific information and recommendations (such as weather forecasts, and when to do what),” says the article.

Through mobile phones, farmers can receive agricultural information via SMS and voice. Agricultural organizations and agribusinesses are increasingly using low-cost video equipment to create videos that demonstrate how other farmers have benefited from adopting more sustainable practices. Interactive radio programs too are emerging to facilitate two-way information exchanges.

The article outlines some examples from research where ICT has had a significant role in changing farming practices. But the point is made that while these technologies can support a transition to more sustainable practices, there is still a strong need to create high quality and relevant content, and this requires funding.

Read the full story: Using ICT tools to cut carbon emissions and improve agriculture